The Boston Celtics defeated the host Los Angeles Lakers, 121-113, at Staples Center on Thursday evening.

The Celtics got out to a good start with an early, 21-7, lead, before the Lakers cut it back to an eight-point game heading into the second. The Celtics held the upper hand through the second and pushed their lead to 13 points by halftime. Both teams came out strong in the third and the Lakers managed to trim one point off the deficit, making it a 12-point game heading into the final frame. The Lakers kept up the fight in the fourth and cut it down to a five-point game with 1:18 left on the clock. However, the Celtics came up clutch to close out a fifth straight win.

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 40 points, nine rebounds, three assists and a steal, in 32 minutes. Marcus Smart added 15 points, six rebounds, four assists and a steal, while Tristan Thompson totaled 14 points, six rebounds, five assists and a block. The Celtics shot 56 percent from the field, including 14-of-32 from long range.

Meanwhile, Talen Horton-Tucker led the Lakers with 19 points, seven assists, six rebounds and three steals, in 27 minutes. Marc Gasol totaled 18 points, four rebounds and three assists, while Ben McLemore chipped in 17 points, three rebounds and two assists. The Lakers shot 44 percent from the field, including 12-of-37 from deep.

The Lakers (34-22) will look to bounce back as they play host to the Jazz on Saturday. The Celtics (30-26) play host to the Warriors on Saturday.